How to Get Rid of a Zit Overnight

Co-authored by Bailey Cho Medically reviewed by Naomi Elza

Last Updated: July 9, 2024 Fact Checked

There are several ways to minimize a zit's appearance overnight and prevent future breakouts. In this article, we’re providing an extensive list of treatments to clear your skin quickly. From proven skincare ingredients to effective home remedies, here’s everything you need to know to reduce the redness, swelling, and size of your pimples.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Rid of the Pimple

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Some research shows that Dead Sea salt can reduce skin roughness and inflammation. ^{[1]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Mix 1 tsp (5.7 g) of Dead Sea salt with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of warm water, then use a Q-tip to apply the salt water directly to your pimple. Do not rinse it off.
2
Apply benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that clogs your pores and causes inflammation. ^{[2]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} It comes in different concentrations, ranging from 2.5-10%, but it’s best to start with a 2.5% concentration to minimize irritation. ^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} To make a pimple go away quickly, apply a dab of benzoyl peroxide cream or gel on your zit, or use a benzoyl peroxide-infused pimple patch. ^{[4]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Benzoyl peroxide can increase skin sensitivity, so avoid strong sunlight, wear sun protective clothing, and apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. ^{[5]
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  National Health Service (UK)
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3
Use salicylic acid. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and gently exfoliates the skin, allowing skin cells to shed more rapidly. ^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} After washing your face, put a small dab of 2% salicylic acid spot treatment onto your pimple, following the directions of your specific product’s packaging. ^{[7]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Alternatively, apply a salicylic acid-infused pimple patch if you have a large pimple. Or, wash your face with a 2% salicylic acid cleanser daily. ^{[8]
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  Research source}
4
Try tea tree oil. Some studies show that a small amount of diluted tea tree oil can kill bacteria on the skin that causes pimples. ^{[9]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
Go to source} To dilute tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil (like argan , coconut , or jojoba oil ) for every 1-2 drops of tea tree oil . ^{[10]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Use a Q-Tip to dab the oil directly onto your pimple.
- Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can make the redness and size of the pimple less noticeable. ^{[11]
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  Science Direct
  Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
  Go to source}
5
Use egg oil. Some believe that egg yolk oil is effective in removing zits and preventing scars. ^{[12]
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Research source} The proteins in egg yolk oil may regulate oil production and repair the skin barrier, reducing breakouts. To apply the oil:
- Wash your hands with soap before applying the egg oil.
- Gently massage the egg oil onto the affected area with your fingers.
- Wash the egg oil off after an hour with a mild face wash.
- Repeat this process twice a day until your scars disappear.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Reducing the Redness

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Icing temporarily soothes the skin and reduces swelling and inflammation in your pimple. ^{[13]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Wrap an ice cube in a thin cloth or gauze, then rub it over your pimple using circular motions. ^{[14]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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2
Use eye drops on the affected area. Some believe that redness-reducing eye drops can minimize irritation and redness in pimples. This is because it causes vasoconstriction, which temporarily narrows your blood vessels. ^{[15]
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Research source} Drop a few eye drops onto a cotton swab and apply onto your pimple(s). ^{[16]
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Research source}
- Pro tip: Since coolness can reduce inflammation, place the soaked cotton swab in the freezer for an hour before applying it.
3
Try some natural antihistamines. Antihistamines suppress swelling and redness in the skin tissue. ^{[17]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Most can be ingested in pill form, but some are consumed as tea or used as a topical agent. Natural herbal antihistamines include: ^{[18]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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- Stinging nettle. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle, which may reduce the amount of histamine in your body. ^{[19]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Coltsfoot. Europeans have a long history of using this plant to reduce inflammation and cure various skin conditions, and the leaves can be applied directly to your pimples. ^{[20]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Holy Basil. Tulsi, or Holy Basil, has been used for centuries to cure skin diseases and infections. Heat a few sprigs under some stem, then gently apply it to the affected areas. ^{[21]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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Part 3

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General Tips

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1
Wash your face twice a day. Wash your face when you wake up and before you go to bed. Be gentle when rubbing your face, and use a clean towel to pat your face dry. Bacteria and germs on a dirty towel can lead to more pimples. ^{[22]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Scrubbing can irritate your skin, so avoid using harsh cleansers with microbeads. ^{[23]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Pimple treatments can dry out your skin, so apply an oil-free, non comedogenic moisturizer after each wash. ^{[24]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
Doing so can transfer bacteria, dirt, and oil from your hands to your face. Only touch your face after you’ve washed your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. ^{[25]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
3
Work out. Exercise may help minimize acne by decreasing inflammation, increasing blood flow to your skin, and lowering your stress levels. ^{[26]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Just make sure to shower immediately after sweating to remove sweat, dirt, and oil from your skin. ^{[27]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Find a healthy way to relieve stress and anxiety through exercise. Join a sports team, go to the gym, or take a walk around your neighborhood.
Minimize the sugar in your diet to keep your skin looking its best. Sugar can increase inflammation in the skin, lead to new pimples, and worsen breakouts. ^{[28]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} So, cut back on candy, chocolate, and soda.
Studies show that alcohol may worsen acne because it dehydrates the body and contains lots of sugar. ^{[29]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} To reduce breakouts, cut back on alcohol and see how your body responds.
Don't pop them, pick at them, prod them, itch them, scratch them, or otherwise touch them unless applying a medicine or remedy. When you pop a pimple, you push some of the bacteria and dead skin cells deeper into your skin, which can increase redness and inflammation. ^{[30]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

Expert Q&A

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How do I get rid of dark spots

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

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Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

There are lots of things you can try to see what works for you. Apply a salicylic acid toner after cleansing your face with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. Start using a vitamin C serum, too, which helps to lighten up your skin. Alternatively, you can use retinol cream at night which will help to increase cell turnover and lighten your dark spots. If you find you like retinol, you can get a stronger retinol prescription from your primary care doctor or dermatologist. Remember to apply sunblock daily as sun exposure makes your dark spots and acne scars darker.

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Applying aloe vera gel to the skin may also help reduce inflammation and pimples. ^{[31]
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Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics
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Conceal your pimples with primers, foundations, or concealers that contain salicylic acid. ^{[32]
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If you have a huge pimple that you need to get rid of quickly, visit your dermatologist to see if they can administer a cortisone or antibiotic injection. ^{[33]
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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Using steam can help! Try turning off any fans and running hot water out of your sink. Put a towel or blanket over the basin for a minute or two, then lean in and lift the towel so that the steam pours over your face.
You can also look for a tea tree face wash for general pimple management, rather than using the oil itself and having to dilute it.

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Warnings

Be sure to perform a patch test before trying a new skincare product. Dab a small amount of product to the inside of your wrist or elbow, then rinse it off after 5 minutes if it’s not meant to be left on. Reapply the product twice a day to see if you develop any signs of irritation. If you notice any issues, it’s safe to use.

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How to Get Rid of a Zit Overnight

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Getting Rid of the Pimple

Reducing the Redness

General Tips

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